Red Stream: Advanced Theory and Techniques

Play Therapist: Registration/Certification Route

The Red Stream Advanced Theory and Techniques program provides 75 hours of training. The Red Stream program is designed for licensed mental health practitioners, or graduate students enrolled in a graduate mental health degree program or in a pre­ licensure supervised placement.

The program consists of 9 days of face-to-face training (63 contact hours of play therapy training), plus a pre-course on-line component (with a Mastery Test), and a post-course case conceptualization assignment (totaling 12 non-contact hours). Students will have three months to complete the required written assignment.

As an advanced program, participants must have taken the Green Stream Foundations of Play Therapy program (or equivalent).

Red Stream +plus: For those planning to become certified with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy there will be an additional 3-hour on-line program: Integrative Play Therapy- Creating a pathway for working as an integrative play therapist.As this webinar must be purchased separately, please indicate your interest in the Red Stream +plus program on you application. Upon approval, you will receive a link for payment and enrolment.

APT Route: To become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) with the Association for Play Therapy (APT) one of the requirements is to complete 150 hours of training in play therapy. The Green Stream, combined with the Red Stream, provides 150 play therapy training hours. APT hold the right to accept or deny any training hours toward registration/certification as a play therapist.

CAPT Route: To become a Certified Play Therapist (CPT) with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT), Canadian standards require 180 hours of play therapy training from a CAPT Approved Provider, or from an institute of higher learning. Participants who intend to become Certified Play Therapists should take the Green Stream, Red Stream +plus, and 1 core (3-day) Yellow Stream Certificate Program. It is recommended that participants take the Yellow Stream Certificate in Sandplay with Special Populations to fulfill the 180-hour requirement. CAPT reserves the right to review any/all training hours submitted for registration as a play therapist.

Note: RMPTI is not a registering body for play therapists. Rather, RMPTI provides approved training. For details for being registered/certified with the 2 main bodies, see links below. APT and CAPT alone hold the right to accept or deny any continuing education training at their discretion

Uniquely designed

The Red Stream Program is a fully integrated training program, versus a series of workshops or courses. It is ideal for those currently in graduate programs, or graduate level mental health practitioners who wish to build on their current professional designations.

Emphasis is placed on specialized topics (e.g., family play therapy; group play therapy) and specific referral issues, such as trauma, autism spectrum, depression, and anxiety. Participants have an opportunity to practice skills in fully equipped play therapy rooms.

Based on the Play Therapy Dimensions Model, participants learn how to conceptualize the play therapy process from an integrative perspective. To further consolidate these skills each participant presents a case for group discussion (1/2 hour presentation), based on an integrative conceptualization approach.

Program Goals

The goals of this program are to:

Expand assessment and treatment-planning skills as applied to a range of special populations (abuse/trauma; children of divorce; anxiety; depression; ASD, etc.)

Increase competence in the use of various play therapy modalities

Gain practical skills as a practitioner in play therapy.

Note:Students are to submit a detailed case study to facilitate integration of course material. Students will have three months to complete the required written assignment.

Who Should Attend?

The Red Stream Advanced Theory and Techniques in Play Therapy program will be of interest to licensed mental health practitioners who are currently working with children in a treatment-oriented setting. Those currently enrolled in graduate mental health programs may also use this program as a way to build on their current professional designations.

As an advanced training course, this program will enhance your ability to market a specialization as well as prepare you for registration/certification as a Play Therapist. Registration and Certification is provided by APT and CAPT. These organizations alone hold the right to accept or deny any training related to registration/certification as a play therapist

Entrance Requirements:

Attending or completed graduate mental health degree program

Completion of the Green Stream: Foundations of Play Therapy Program (or equivalent).

It is recommended that participants have a background in child development and are actively working with children in a treatment-oriented setting.

To provide participants with an opportunity to consolidate skills an integrative play therapy practitioner, utilizing a range theory and techniques as applied to specific referral issues and populations.

Upon successful completion, each participant will be able to:

Describe how to utilize family play therapy strategies

Explain the sandplay process and applications of sandplay therapy to working with children at different developmental stages

Discuss play-based behaviors exhibited in children with internalizing difficulties and an understanding of specific intervention strategies

Explain ethical and legal issues for play therapy practitioners

Demonstrate an ability to work with children with disruptive and aggressive behaviors

Explain play-based approaches for enhancing attachment

Demonstrate a deepened understanding of the play therapy process and the role of the play therapist

Demonstrate an ability to set up play therapy groups and tailor interventions for specific referral issues

Apply use of the intuitive self while actively engaged in play therapy

Discuss the competencies required for setting up an effective play therapy practice

Methods

Experiential activities

Video presentations

Case examples

Role plays

Session seminars

Reading assignments

Case presentation & written conceptualization exercise

Small group activities

Certificate Award

Participants will receive a Certificate in Advanced Theory and Techniques in Play Therapy from RMPTI. The certificate confirms the completion of 75 hours of specialized play therapy training. APT and CAPT alone hold the right to accept or deny any continuing education training at their discretion.

The Certificate is awarded based on:

Satisfactory completion of the Mastery Test and written case study

Continuous evaluation by instructor of course work contributions and core competencies using a structured feedback form

Satisfactory attendance (no whole module may be missed unless there are extenuating circumstances. A makeup assignment may be requested depending on time missed)

How can I apply these skills?

Participants will be able to work with a range of presenting issues utilizing multiple play therapy techniques in an integrated manner.

Participants will have the ability to work with children individually, in groups, and in a family setting.

Upon completion of the program participants will be able to develop detailed case plans and tailor interventions to specific populations.